Mike Davis, vice president
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Our president, Bill Davis has been associated with men’s clothing since 1967. He started in the men’s suit department in May D & F at Bear Valley Shopping Center and moved on to represent a national tuxedo manufacturer. The purchasers of these tuxedos requested display products, so in 1989, we began producing products directed to men’s formal wear and men’s tailored clothing industries. A natural progression then led to ladies display forms and other store fixtures and displays. Twenty-six years later, we’re still at it.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Our deep-rooted knowledge of the clothing industry brings a unique understanding of display needs. While a new, hip display that’s seen as a backdrop in New York City looks appealing, the average shop owner usually finds the best values in the tried and true basics. We’ve assisted in store design and layouts for new stores and expansion roll-outs for fashion chains as well as helping a student find the perfect dress form with seam lines for sewing. We find at times that a rental will be just as useful as a purchase, at a great cost savings, and try to direct customers to our large in-stock inventory.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Diversity! Every day, when the phone rings or a customer comes through the door, there’s another challenge to address. New customers selling on eBay or local trade shows need direction on the best way to display products and national visual display purchasers lay out the delivery deadlines for us to target. In addition, we’ve assisted with dress forms for the Barbara Bush display at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and built an acrylic display case and dress form to showcase a beautiful leather dress worn by Beyonce. We never know what’s next.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Our biggest challenge is staying current. Whirling around the basic styling of display forms are fashions that change from form-fitting dresses, tailored clothing, skinny jeans and the like, and it’s our job to be on the cutting edge of the displays needed for each of these choices. We spend a great deal of time reviewing products from manufacturers all over the globe to find the next value for our customers.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: The biggest joy and satisfaction we get is not derived from the largest sale. It’s understanding a need and developing a solution. We’ve filled needs for all branches of the U.S. military and various museums around the country. Our customer line runs from Nordstrom’s to Cracker Barrel to hundreds of men’s and ladies shops in addition to individual custom designs. Our satisfaction is helping all of these customers find the right product.
Profile
Business: Manne-King, Inc.
Address: 2000 S. Dahlia St., unit 300
Hours: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Founded: 1989
Contact: 800-779-1566 or 303-399-8712, ,
Employees: 3
